Summer can be challenging for seniors due to the intense heat, but it’s no fun to sit in the house for months on end. If you’re conscious of safety, an afternoon adventure or day trip can be a great way to spend quality time together. Here are some recommendations for activities and attractions in the greater Toronto area that are accessible, enjoyable and senior-friendly. If you’d like to add your own recommendations to this list, please leave us a comment on Facebook!
Visit a butterfly conservatory
There are two wonderful butterfly conservatories within an hour or so of Toronto: the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory and the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Both are accessible for seniors using mobility devices such as walkers or wheelchairs, and are family-friendly spots that are perfect for multigenerational groups. While the Niagara option is arguably the better option in terms of size and setting, the Cambridge conservatory is a lovely, quieter spot that is also worth a visit.
Check out some botanical gardens
Botanical gardens are a peaceful, beautiful, calming place to visit at any age. Many have cafes on site with great lunch offerings, making them the ideal spot for a day trip. The Toronto Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Or, if you’re willing to drive west of the city, the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington are a wonderful place to visit. We recommend a brief walk around the gardens followed by a lunch break, then another walk of the gardens before heading home. Even better? If you stop for an ice cream cone along the way!
Play tourist at home
Who says you need to leave the city to take your aging relatives out on a day trip? Many of Toronto’s local attractions are accessible and senior-friendly including the ROM, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Toronto Zoo, the aquarium and the Science Centre. Casa Loma is largely, though not fully, accessible (a handful of rooms are not available without the use of stairs, but most of the building has elevator access and there are accessible washroom facilities). If you’re looking for outdoor options, here’s a great list of accessible parks, walking trails and green spaces in Toronto.
Head out to a small town
A change of scenery can be a great thing, and there are many picturesque towns near Toronto that are worth visiting. Consider a day trip to Uxbridge, Port Perry, Kleinburg (a part of Vaughan), Alliston or the village of Erin. Plan on having lunch at a local independent restaurant, taking a walk to see local shops, and enjoying a scenic country drive. Be sure to bring items that help keep your aging loved one comfortable during a longer car ride, such as lumbar supports, other back rests or neck pillows. Remember to bring any medication that’s needed during meal times and a thermos of cold water to encourage hydration.
Living Assistance Services is pleased to offer in-home caregiver services that allow seniors to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. To learn more, please visit our website or contact us. Thanks for reading, and have a great summer!